Name: Ryan Keenan

Position/Organization: Director of sales and marketing, Des Moines Menace Soccer Club

Age: 29

Hometown: Great Bend, Kan.

Education: University of Kansas, bachelor of general studies, 1999

I drive a: Land Rover Discovery

A few words about my company: The Des Moines Menace offers a great family entertainment value to Iowa. Our fan base is the largest it has ever been. The Premier Development League has 52 teams, and the Menace is on pace to lead the league in attendance for the sixth straight season.

Recent accomplishments: The Menace recently set a team and league single-game attendance record of more than 6,600. My biggest reward has been the outstanding relationships and support I have built in my first year in Des Moines.

Biggest career break: Getting a marketing internship at the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network for two seasons, which led to a position in corporate sales at Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer.

The toughest part of my job: Toughest, yet most rewarding, is the different hats that you wear in minor-league sports as opposed to the major-league level.

About my family: Currently, I am single. My parents reside in Great Bend, Kan., where my dad practices law.

Someone I admire: My parents.

What’s the best part about doing business in Des Moines? My focus of business development is on relationship building, and I’m able to do that here. The people in Central Iowa are awesome to work with.

Last books read: The third Harry Potter and “Moneyball”

Something about me not everyone knows: I never played soccer.  What distinguishes you from your competitors: We make certain to deliver more than what our sponsors and fans expect. Soccer is the one sport that more people are learning on a daily basis, and it continues to grow every day.

Outside interests: Working out, reading, golf, family and friends, church, Kansas and NCAA basketball

Something I’d change about my industry: For soccer as a whole, I would like to see more American players stay and play here to keep the product at a high level. This would help increase attendance, sponsorship and media coverage.

Favorite vacation spot: A Jimmy Buffett concert and/or the NCAA Final Four

If I had a different job: Perhaps Wall Street, a sports anchor or business development for a sports division in a major media format.